tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basix

Overland

Wildlife

Stone Town to Vic Falls

16 days • 4.7

4.5

Excellent

28 reviews

16 days

Start

Zanzibar, Africa

Finish

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Trip Code

YXOR

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 22

Physical Rating

Meals

15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Camping with facilities (14 nights)

From £1,419(16 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Join an expert guide to track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park. Discover black and white rhinos and other game while learning about the cultural and spiritual importance of the many ceremonial sites, San paintings and rock formations.

Spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas on not one, but three included 4WD safari game drives in Tanzania and Zambia.

Discover the magic of South Luangwa National Park on morning and afternoon 4WD safari game drives, and visit a workshop where local women transform poaching snare wire into jewellery to raise funds for conservation.

Explore the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa, the World Heritage-listed Great Zimbabwe, and discover the history and heritage of local communities with your knowledgeable local leader.

Choose from a range of optional activities at Victoria Falls to see the cascades the way you want, and maybe treat yourself to a helicopter ride.

Is this trip right for you?

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent (unless you’re on an Original or Comfort style trip), occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the ‘big five’. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have drop-down windows, which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa Overland page: https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland (https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland)

Some passengers on this trip will have been travelling together prior to the start of your trip on a 'combo' journey. To see what you're missing out on check out our Zanzibar to Vic Falls trip (YXORC).

As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

Itinerary

Spot predators on game drives, track rhinos and explore ancient Zimbabwean ruins

Embrace the wilds of Eastern Africa on a 16-day adventure. Track rhinos on foot, discover the winding alleyways of Stone Town, journey through epic landscapes in search of zebras and elephants, explore ancient Zimbabwean ruins and gaze at the sweeping plains of the savanna. With a local leader and crew on hand to sweat all the small stuff, you can focus on exploring. This is your chance to spot the Big Five and escape the chaotic pace of the city for the quiet of villages Africa’s pride lands.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Stone Town
Karibu! Welcome to Zanzibar. Your adventure begins in Stone Town, the old part of Zanzibar’s city, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Filled with beaches, cobblestone alleyways and bazaars, Zanzibar has much to explore if you arrive early. The best way to see this port town is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun sets, maybe grab a sundowner from a bar overlooking the seafront front and tuck into a seafood curry at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Mikumi National Park
Embrace an early start this morning with a 7.30 am ferry to the mainland, then make tracks for Mikumi. Watch the Tanzanian landscape pass you by along the way, as this long drive is a great chance to soak up the scenery. Gaze out at vast plains dotted with baobab and tamarind trees and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards that call the park home. When you arrive at your camp, your leader will show you the ropes (literally) and help you set up and get comfortable for your night in the tent.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Your camp tonight has a swimming pool and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
DAY 3
Day 3 • Iringa
Wake up early this morning to head off on a 4WD game drive into Mikumi National Park with local expert guides. This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas – you may even spot a predator! After, you'll drive to Iringa and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of the settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land and native birds. Make the most of this rural setting with some stargazing before you retire for the night.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Mikumi National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
For tonight’s camp, wi-fi and accommodation upgrades are available.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Chitimba
Enter Malawi this morning and travel to your campsite at Chitimba. Malawi, the ‘warm heart of Africa,’ is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many Malawian people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on Lake Malawi. A common sight is a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.
Tonight, camp facilities, wi-fi and accommodation upgrades are available.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Lake Malawi
Travel from Chitimba to Kande Beach today, on the shore of Lake Malawi. There will be a chance to stop at a shop or market for any supplies you might need along the way. Enjoy a relaxing getaway from the commercialism and crowds with a few days on the lake’s more peaceful beaches. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore of Lake Malawi.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Tonight, accommodation upgrades are again possible (subject to availability). However, there is no wi-fi.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Lake Malawi
Enjoy free time today to soak up your idyllic surroundings. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa! You can also hire canoes, bikes or pedalos (paddle boats) to enhance your time here.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Optional activities
Lake Malawi - Bike Hire - USD25
Lake Malawi - Guided Village Walk - USD15
DAY 7
Day 7 • South Luangwa National Park
Journey through southern Malawi and enter Zambia today, continuing to South Luangwa National Park. There will be border crossing formalities on the way, and a chance to stock up on goods or visit an ATM at a local shop or market. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is some of the highest in Africa, so when you arrive, take in the beautiful scenery and the abundance of wildlife, watching out for colourful birds and herds of elephants.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Your camp tonight has flush toilets, showers and wi-fi. Upgrades are also offered (subject to availability).
DAY 8
Day 8 • South Luangwa National Park
Rise early this morning, grab a light breakfast and get ready for a morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide. Then, you'll head back to the camp for an early lunch (as this is the hottest part of the day). Rest in the shade or take an optional village walk if you'd like a snapshot of daily life in the local community. Return to the park for another game drive in the evening, looking out for the local wildlife as the sun sets.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Dawn Game Drive
South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Evening Game Drive
Optional activities
South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk - USD50
Special information
The optional game walk listed for today is seasonal and requires a 24-hour pre-booking notice. Kindly inform your leader if you're interested.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Petauke
After breakfast, you'll visit a workshop where local craftswomen take snare wire recovered from poaching traps and transform it into jewellery inspired by the African bush. The women will show you around their purpose-built workshop and give you a chance to try coiling or hammering the wire yourself. For each sale made, a donation is given to anti snare patrols dedicated to the conservation of the region. After your visit, you'll jump back in the vehicle and head further south to Petauke.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
The camp tonight has facilities, wi-fi and accommodation upgrades (subject to availability).
DAY 10
Day 10 • Lusaka
This morning you'll be back on the road, heading for your next camp just south of Lusaka City. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take a stroll to discover the town on foot. Though it's fast developing, Lusaka retains a strong African feel, and the locals are usually up for a chat. Your local leader will also give you some insight into the area. Tonight, you're free to chill out under the stars at camp.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your camp tonight has facilities, a pool and upgrades available. Wi-fi is is available for a token.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Harare
Travel to Harare today. The first part of your journey takes you to the border with Zimbabwe. After crossing and going through border formalities, you'll continue to Harare. There will be a chance to explore the town when you arrive, as well as stock up on whatever you need at a market or local shop.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
At your camp tonight, there is no wi-fi available. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
In winter months it may not be possible to explore Harare due to the limited day light hours.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Great Zimbabwe Ruins / Masvingo
This morning, it's onto Masvingo. This colonial settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes the perfect base for exploring the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The ancient city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was first constructed in the 11th century and is believed to have been the seat of power for a monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp where your night is free to relax.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your campground in Masvingo has shared facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are subject to availability.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Bulawayo
Travel to Bulawayo today. Known locally as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city. There is some impeccable historical architecture to take in here, so feel free to walk around at your own pace when you arrive. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore town or ask your local leader for some optional activities. You might like to browse some local markets or chat with the locals. The Natural History Museum and National Art Gallery are also worth checking out.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Optional activities
Balawayo - Natural History Museum - USD10
Bulawayo - Railway Museum - USD5
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Tonight you will stay in a campground with shared facilities. Upgrades and wi-fi are available.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Bulawayo
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime today – tracking rhinos on foot with an expert guide! Matobo National Park, known for its black and white rhinos, is also home to other wildlife like klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. You'll learn all about these unique animals from your guide and gain insights into the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark. Discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations of the area, too. Matobo National Park is an important site of spiritual and cultural significance for the local people, and there are many places in the park where important ceremonies still take place.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Park Visit & San Rock Paintings
DAY 15
Day 15 • Victoria Falls
Depart Bulawayo this morning and make the drive towards Victoria Falls. Stretching 1.6 km wide and falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below, the falls are a sight to behold. Although a visit to the falls themselves is optional, it's highly recommended. In the wet season, the spray created from this feat of nature can rise 400 m and can often be seen from far in the distance. It’s no wonder that the local name for Victoria Falls is Mosi oa Tunya, or the 'Smoke that Thunders'. If you’re travelling in the dry season, you’ll get an unobstructed view of the falls and the chance to see the islets in the river below. Your leader will take you to a local activity centre today, where a range of activities will be on offer.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Optional activities
Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance - USD50
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Tonight's camp is located in the town of Victoria Falls. Upgrades and wi-fi are available.
Tuuur has not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in Optional Activities are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been assessed or do not adhere to our Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities. If you are interested in the Optional Helicopter flight (12 minutes or 25 minutes) we endorse Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe only.
You may notice businesses offering an 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Tuuur travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and with the greatest level of respect. This industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.
DAY 16
Day 16 • Victoria Falls
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the camp at any time. You may like to try some of the optional activities on offer here, so it's recommended you schedule any flights for later in the day. If you would like to spend more time in Victoria Falls, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
Victoria Falls - Flying fox - USD50
Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (full day) - USD130
Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD130
Special information
White water rafting is a seasonal activity, during the high water season this activity is closed for safety reasons.

Inclusions

Meals

15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Camping with facilities (14 nights)

Included activities

Mikumi National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Dawn Game Drive

South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Evening Game Drive

South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project

Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit

Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Park Visit & San Rock Paintings

Optional activities

Lake Malawi - Bike Hire - USD25

Lake Malawi - Guided Village Walk - USD15

South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk - USD50

Balawayo - Natural History Museum - USD10

Bulawayo - Railway Museum - USD5

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance - USD50

Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185

Victoria Falls - Flying fox - USD50

Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103

Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150

Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284

Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218

Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61

Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (full day) - USD130

Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD130

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Thursday Jun 26, 2025

Friday Jul 11, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 14 spaces left

£2,107£1,685

Thursday Jul 10, 2025

Friday Jul 25, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 13 spaces left

£2,206£1,764

Thursday Jul 17, 2025

Friday Aug 01, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 13 spaces left

£2,184£1,747

Thursday Jul 31, 2025

Friday Aug 15, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 12 spaces left

£2,206£1,764

Thursday Aug 07, 2025

Friday Aug 22, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 20 spaces left

£2,184£1,419

Thursday Aug 14, 2025

Friday Aug 29, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 7 spaces left

£2,332£2,215

Thursday Aug 28, 2025

Friday Sep 12, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 17 spaces left

£2,184

Thursday Sep 11, 2025

Friday Sep 26, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 18 spaces left

£2,184

Thursday Sep 25, 2025

Friday Oct 10, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 16 spaces left

£2,107

Thursday Oct 09, 2025

Friday Oct 24, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 11 spaces left

£2,184

Thursday Oct 30, 2025

Friday Nov 14, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 9 spaces left

£2,107

Thursday Nov 20, 2025

Friday Dec 05, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 18 spaces left

£2,024£1,923

Thursday Dec 04, 2025

Friday Dec 19, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 16 spaces left

£2,024

Thursday Dec 18, 2025

Friday Jan 02, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 17 spaces left

£2,107£2,001

Thursday Jan 22, 2026

Friday Feb 06, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 20 spaces left

£2,123

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Stone Town. This trip ends on Day 16 and you are free to leave at any time.

3. For an itinerary that includes more time in Zanzibar, please see our Zanzibar to Vic Falls (YXORC) itinerary.

Reviews (29)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 star

AAron

May 22, 2025

A very enjoyable trip to enable a visit to Central Africa. It covers a balanced mix of culture, nature and history. Be aware that due to the distance covered it is necessary to spend a lot of time travelling in a truck, sometimes in excess of ten hours in a day. This coupled with some very early mornings and bad road conditions could mean this trip isn't for everyone. All in all, though, a very satisfyinfg experience.

Frank

Oct 23, 2024

Great Crew and great itinerary. Loved the camping and being close to the animals.

Jade

Aug 23, 2024

Great way to see 4 countries if short on holiday duration time, but be prepared for long days on an overland truck, cold nights and bring items for schools or clothes for people experiencing poverty.

Jeff

Aug 05, 2024

Olivia

Jul 16, 2024

This trip is incredible. Not for the faint of heart, due to the long drives, but it provides ample time to get to know your fellow travellers and amazing crew. The campsites were all amazing and I always felt safe. I enjoyed every second of this trip and will always miss Dan, Oti and Erico.

Tahlia

Jul 16, 2024

What an incredible opportunity! Though this trip includes many long drives, it is so worth it to see the ever changing beautiful landscape. Shout out to Dan, Oti and Erico for being the best crew I could ask for and always being up for a laugh. What a memorable experience!!

Liam

Jun 04, 2024

What an amazing experience this was! Nothing to fault. The experiences obtained from everywhere we visited was incredible and you see the best of these countries whilst gaining a detailed insight into their histories and present state. We also applaud Intrepid for having found the team that took us along on this journey as they were not just amazing humans though incredible guides and really made the whole experience what it was. We cannot speak highly enough of these individuals. Thank you Benson our guide, Henry our Chef and Patrick our Driver. The journey, experiences, variety of activities, meals, accommodation, driving, facilities and all people were top notch. Thanks again Benson and Co! We hope to see you out on our next African adventure!

Sandra

May 31, 2024

My husband and I had an amazing first trip to Africa, thanks to Intrepid. We were taken care of well, by a wonderful guide, talented cook, and safe driver. The places we saw, the beautiful animals, and great add-on activities made the trip very memorable.

Thomas

Nov 07, 2023

Absolutely outstanding trip, leader, crew. Deep memories and experiences of animals, people, culture, history. Incredible moments with animals (Rhino tracking/walking safari), local people (Lake Malawi, …), places (Great Zimbabwe, …), hikes and walks. Group came together in the best of ways, lifetime friendships.

Bob

Nov 07, 2023

Fantastic trip! So many surprises and learning opportunities. Great Zimbabwe could be renamed Fantastic Zimbabwe, and all other spots were eye-opening. This is the warm heart of Africa.

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